Choosing a college in Rhode Island doesn't have to mean breaking the bank. While many colleges in Rhode Island are known for their high tuition costs, there are also plenty of affordable options available. This guide highlights the most budget-friendly colleges in Rhode Island , focusing on tuition and fees for the 2024-2025 academic year, so you can plan for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year with confidence.
In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 9 four-year Rhode Island Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees is $48,683, reflecting a 4.42% increase compared to the previous year.
New England Institute of Technology ranks as the least expensive private Rhode Island colleges. With tuition and fees at just $37,275, New England Institute of Technology offers an affordable education without compromising on quality. It is an excellent choice for students seeking value in their college experience.
Close behind are Johnson & Wales University-Providence at$41,982 and Roger Williams University at$45,197 both consistently recognized among the Rhode Island Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, providing quality education at a fraction of the cost of many other colleges.
For these well-regarded Rhode Island Private Colleges with the Lowest Tuition & Fees, the average acceptance rate is 56.43% and the average SAT score is 1,297, indicating a moderately selective admissions process.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 1 | New England Institute of Technology East Greenwich, RIPrivate, 4-year | $37,275 $1,650 | $16,500 $600 | 66.73% | 1,922 | - | 60.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 2 1 | Johnson & Wales University-Providence Providence, RIPrivate, 4-year | $41,982 $1,990 | $15,156 - | 88.41% | 4,303 | 1,030 | 55.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 3 1 | Roger Williams University Bristol, RIPrivate, 4-year | $45,197 $2,531 | $21,305 $1,389 | 87.71% | 4,350 | 1,220 | 69.00% | 10 to 1 |
| 4 1 | Salve Regina University Newport, RIPrivate, 4-year | $50,100 $2,170 | $13,365 $570 | 68.17% | 2,791 | 1,220 | 77.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 5 1 | Bryant University Smithfield, RIPrivate, 4-year | $52,677 $1,508 | $49,860 $100 | 65.46% | 3,636 | 1,260 | 80.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 6 1 | Rhode Island School of Design Providence, RIPrivate, 4-year | $62,688 $2,928 | $62,688 $2,928 | 18.66% | 2,520 | 1,480 | 89.00% | 8 to 1 |
| 7 1 | Providence College Providence, RIPrivate, 4-year | $63,550 $2,702 | $13,440 $1,230 | 50.89% | 4,666 | 1,330 | 86.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 8 1 | Brown University Providence, RIPrivate, 4-year | $71,312 $3,082 | $69,948 $2,942 | 5.39% | 11,956 | 1,540 | 96.00% | 6 to 1 |
| Average | $53,098 | $32,783 | 56.43% | 4,518 | 1,297 | 76.50% | 11 to 1 |